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Unfortunately, it has been a difficult week for journalism, with The Washington Post and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution announcing layoffs that will impact hundreds of talented journalists. The loss of these professionals is a blow to the industry.
Moving on to health care news, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been ramping up its efforts to combat fraud in the health care system. Under the current administration, there has been a shift towards targeting entire states, particularly those led by Democratic officials. This change in strategy has raised questions about the administration’s motives and approach to tackling fraud.
In a recent study published in Science Advances, it was revealed that an estimated 24,100 deaths in the U.S. each year can be attributed to chronic exposure to pollution from wildfires. These numbers highlight the real-life impact of environmental factors on public health and underscore the need for greater awareness and action to address air quality issues.
As the Super Bowl approaches, there is anticipation around the advertisements that will be showcased during the event. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has been vocal about the need to regulate drug marketing, and this year’s ads will be closely watched for their content and messaging.
Tragically, a newborn baby in New Mexico recently passed away from listeria, likely linked to the mother’s consumption of raw milk during pregnancy. This serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products and the importance of food safety measures.
In other news, hospitals are phasing out a popular operating room anesthetic, a woman shares her experience of being diagnosed with cancer after a normal mammogram, and Vertex’s CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease faces challenges.
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